King James Version

What Does Isaiah 40:15 Mean?

Isaiah 40:15 in the King James Version says “Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up th...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 40 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing.”

Isaiah 40:15 · KJV

Context

13

Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or being his counsellor hath taught him? his: Heb. man of his counsel

14

With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and shewed to him the way of understanding? instructed: Heb. made him understand understanding: Heb. understandings?

15

Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing.

16

And Lebanon is not sufficient to burn, nor the beasts thereof sufficient for a burnt offering.

17

All nations before him are as nothing; and they are counted to him less than nothing, and vanity.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The proportional imagery is staggering: all nations are like a drop from a bucket ('mar' - a single drop) and dust on scales (imperceptible weight) to God. This radically relativizes human power and politics—even mighty empires are infinitesimal before God's greatness. The Hebrew 'mishqal' (weight) suggests nations don't even register on God's scales of significance.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

For Jews intimidated by Babylon's vast empire, this verse provided perspective: the nation that seemed overwhelming to them was negligible to God, easily removed.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does viewing earthly powers as God sees them change your response to intimidating circumstances?
  2. What would change in your life if you truly believed nations are like dust on God's scales?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
הֵ֤ן1 of 11
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

גּוֹיִם֙2 of 11

“Behold the nations”

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

כְּמַ֣ר3 of 11

“are as a drop”

H4752

a drop

מִדְּלִ֔י4 of 11

“of a bucket”

H1805

a pail or jar (for drawing water)

וּכְשַׁ֥חַק5 of 11

“as the small dust”

H7834

a powder (as beaten small); by analogy, a thin vapor; by extension, the firmament

מֹאזְנַ֖יִם6 of 11

“of the balance”

H3976

(only in the dual) a pair of scales

נֶחְשָׁ֑בוּ7 of 11

“and are counted”

H2803

properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou

הֵ֥ן8 of 11
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

אִיִּ֖ים9 of 11

“the isles”

H339

properly, a habitable spot (as desirable); dry land, a coast, an island

כַּדַּ֥ק10 of 11

“as a very little thing”

H1851

crushed, i.e., (by implication) small or thin

יִטּֽוֹל׃11 of 11

“behold he taketh up”

H5190

to lift; by implication, to impose

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 40:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 40:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 40:22Jeremiah 10:10Job 34:14-15Isaiah 11:11Isaiah 29:5Isaiah 41:5

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